In pursuance of directions from the Department of the west
the undersigned hereby assumes command of all the forces in
South-East Mo: extending north as far as the line drawn from
Pilot Knob to this place, both inclusive.
1

The commands of the several posts embraced in this district
will remain as now constituted until otherwise directed.

The forces now at, or near, Jackson Mo will proceed with as
little delay as practicable towards Sikeston Mo:
2 there to receive
orders:

The Head Quarters of this command will at once be removed
to Birds Point
3 where all reports will be forwarded. If however
any information should be received, by commanders of Posts,
deemed of importance to the commander of the west, they will
forward such information directly there, if it can be done more
expeditiously than through the proper channel.

A copy of all such information will also be sent to these Head
Quarters.

U. S. GRANT

Brig. Gen. U. S. A.

To Wm H. L. Wallace

Birds Point.

DS, ICHi. Addressed to Col. William H. L. Wallace, 11th Ill. Wallace, a lawyer
and Republican politician of Ottawa, Ill., had served as 2nd It. and regt. adjt. in
the Mexican War. He had commanded the 11th Ill. since May 1, 1861. Isabel
Wallace, Life & Letters of General W. H. L. Wallace (Chicago, 1909).

The geographical dimensions of the District of Southeast Mo. were not
clearly drawn. Ironton, Mo., though directly south of Pilot Knob, was not includ-
ed. See letter to Maj. Gen. John C. Frémont, Sept. 17, 1861. All Mo. south and
east of Ironton was included, and also all of southern Ill. Later, the district
expanded to include all of Ky. in U. S. possession west of the Cumberland River.

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